Kos: Proposed safeguards and reforms for a more efficient EU in admitting new members

European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said that Montenegro had closed three more negotiating chapters, while the closure of one chapter with Albania and the opening of two clusters each with Ukraine and Moldova had been announced for today. Kos also outlined her vision for the gradual integration of future EU membership candidates, which includes safeguards and the introduction of qualified majority voting for decision-making within the EU.

In a video message posted on the social network “X” ahead of the EU General Affairs Council meeting, Kos said that as the enlargement process accelerates, discussions will also focus on how to ensure that the Union remains strong and effective as it expands.

“Last night, Montenegro closed three more negotiating chapters. Today, we will close one chapter with Albania and open two clusters each with Ukraine and Moldova. As the enlargement process accelerates, we will discuss with our member states how to ensure that our Union becomes stronger as it expands. That is why we have proposed stronger safeguards for the rule of law and reforms to make the Union more efficient,” Kos said.

Kos also announced that candidate countries would be included in the work of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience.

“Today, we will also welcome candidate countries to the European Centre for Democratic Resilience. Many of our candidate countries have been facing hybrid threats for years. Their experience can help us protect democracy across Europe,” Kos said.

She stressed the importance of making the most of the current momentum in enlargement so that the EU can also prepare for the admission of new members.

“For me, three things are particularly important in this regard. The first is to ensure that new members abide by the rules after accession. I am referring to safeguards that protect our democracy and prevent backsliding. The second important point is the need for a more flexible decision-making process in these geopolitical times, which can sometimes be very turbulent. That is why we are proposing certain steps toward the wider use of qualified majority voting,” Kos stressed.

She added that it was particularly important to adhere to the principle of a merit-based process, which is essential, while also introducing “enhanced gradual integration.”

“This offers an opportunity for what I call ‘more Europe’ even before full membership,” Kos stressed, adding that countries could be included in the process before becoming full members.